most dogscould never do what they were bred for . we truly do not know for sure what different dogs mixed with what way back some breeds have short hocks to do there jobs others can have long hocks illike short hocks on all dogs what position should the hocks have ????

But the point is to have a dog that resembles what they were suppose to do. Your right - some dogs CAN'T do what they were bred for because it would be illegal. But it doesn't mean the standard needs to sway.

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we truly do not know for sure what different dogs mixed with what way back some breeds have short hocks to do there jobs others can have long hocks illike short hocks on all dogs what position should the hocks have ????

Not all dogs should have the hocks like all others? They should conform to THEIR breed's standard, not those of "all dogs."

And of course the British say their dogs are of course the perfect balance somewhere in between.

Oh, you know that's because it's true

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I dont get why some standards do not list proper weight. Does that mean that the dog could be of any weight? What if one person has a different idea of what a "medium" sized dog is than another person?

Because all dogs are different. Some standards do specify a range of weights that they think are appropriate. For instance, I have two dogs, same breed. They are mother and daughter. Both are about equal height (plus or minus 1/2 inch) One weighs 37lbs, the other is 45lbs. Neither one of them carries an ounce of fat. They are just different.

Also, weight isn't as important as the overall size and bone structure. Especially in a working dog.

^^^ Which partially answers your questions on weight too. My ACD's are between 19 1/2 inches and 20 inches at the shoulder. The largest weights 45 lbs. A rottie at only 4 inches taller weighs 40-60 lbs more. Add 4 inches to an ACD bitch and I would guess it would weigh 60 lbs. Breed/bone etc makes a big difference.

"European" dogs to me tend to be shorter, stockier and more compact. Which makes them look huge, when in reality they are not. But I do agree that first Dobe (couldnt see the rest of the Dobe pics) needs to loose some weight and develope a more defined uptuck.